WHO paves way for use of genetically modified mosquitoes to combat Zika

Consequences of Zika outbreaks could be 'staggering' says WHO as it advocates further trials and assessments for controversial mosquito control techniques

New and potentially controversial techniques including releasing genetically modified or irradiated mosquitos could be deployed to hamper the spread of the Zika virus, according to a statement from the World Health Organisation (WHO) today.

Zika is a disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The disease originated in Africa, but in the last decade has spread to French Polynesia in the Pacific, and to Brazil and Colombia. More than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic infections.